BTL…

One of my former teammates is writing a book. I may have mentioned this previously, didn’t care enough to look back through the past few months of rants to see. Immaterial really.

The cool thing is we’re connecting again after last working together over 25 years ago. He sends me a chapter nearly everyday now. I read it and send him back a few thoughts. Only a few, mind you. I’m not trying to influence the book, just encourage the author. This dude is finding his writing voice right before my very eyes. I’m learning so much more about this teammate I knew quite well, or so I thought. I’m honored and humbled he chose me to be his sounding board.

One of my friends mentioned to me in passing the other day he’d follow me anywhere. Caught me off guard. The words weren’t what did it, it was the story he told me immediately after and specifically the tone and body language that came alongside. Seared my sorriness.

Reflecting back on a life of leading (mine and many others), I’m beginning to learn a bit more about its roots. Here’s a thought worth pondering. Leaders are built. There is a process to the building. BTL thinks it’s got a pretty good handle on it, that’s for sure. We’re always learning more about the building process and no plan to stop. There is a “but,” here.

Leaders are born too. Translation. Some of us were given the gift. We did nothing to deserve or warrant. Somehow we were born with “it.” I’ve been leading since childhood. Not bragging – just matter of fact. Can’t ignore it. My earliest memories were around leading my family, and friends around the neighborhoods of Salina. Didn’t think about it then. There were just always examples of dudes following. This. Has. Never. Changed. Cannot explain. No point. Well there is a point and it’s this.

STOP trying so hard to get promoted, noticed, and positioned as a leader.

If it’s meant to be, it will happen. You won’t be able to STOP it. Keep serving. Keep including others. Keep recognizing others and their gifts. Keep giving more than you take. Keep dreaming BIG and doing whatever it takes. Whatever level of leadership you attain, will more than satisfy. We have few followers here at BTL. We are no big deal. Yet to me and the Band, we are living the freakin’ dream, baby. We’re a very small Giant. Our focus is not on getting big but instead on being the best. We have a long, long way to go. We’re already beyond my wildest dreams.

BTL. What a great name. What a great idea. What a great band. What a great gift. What a great responsibility. What a great surprise. Who knew? He did. Amen.

Live hard. Love ❤️ harder…